Students in our Resource Base for Deaf Students, met with with students from other resource bases across Essex this week at Hylands House. Six schools came to enjoy the day together, including Primary Resource Bases from Mildmay, Tanys Dell, Glebe & Ghyllgrove plus secondary schools Sweyne Park and ourselves. 

They started the day with a Baddow well-being walk and the opportunity to explore, and see Hylands House. 

The day gave our deaf students the opportunity to reunite with old staff and students plus making new friends and connections.  They also enjoyed the opportunity to mix with other year groups. 

Students commented on how ‘this was an opportunity they didn’t have when younger, but they felt it would boost their confidence in socialising in a safe and friendly environment.’ 

We took part in a range of activities including frizbee, football and new games such as ‘traffic lights’ which relied on their sign language receptive skills, as well as on the adventure playground.  Our students were excellent role model to younger pupils and a special mention to Dexter who did a great job of taking it on himself to help the reception children to play badminton! Plus delivering a fantastic speech at the end to all.

Staff also commented;

‘It was great to see the children playing together, no matter the age, interact and be kind & supportive to each other.'

‘Work wonders for the children to be able to be in a place that they feel comfortable and confident to be themselves’ 

Children that struggle with their deaf identity have embraced it, and didn’t feel like they stood out. For some it was the first time they had been in an environment with so many deaf students at the same time.

It was truly a special day of ‘being together’ with our deaf community and Ttank you to all staff for making it happen.